Associate Director, Planning

Responsibilities

• Translate complex client challenges and market trends into actionable strategic frameworks that drive consumer attention and show engagement.
• Oversee testing roadmaps and learning agendas, ensuring every campaign response incorporates test & learn hypotheses and clear measurement models.
• Own diverse client relationships across ITV, acting as an indispensable strategic partner and the escalation point for day-to-day planning queries.
• Navigate complex agency and media-owner alignment, managing difficult conversations with composure and maintaining high client satisfaction scores.
• Manage workload distribution, delegate effectively, and set clear, motivating annual KPIs for direct reports.
• Conduct regular check-ins and End-Of-Year reviews (utilising tools like Culture Amp) to nurture talent, drive L&D opportunities, and support team career progression.

Strategic & Creative Leadership

Lead end-to-end media strategy for ITV, elevating campaign responses across broadcast, streaming, and performance channels so they are clear, creative, data-led, and compelling.

Team Leadership & Line Management

Line manage, mentor, and inspire a dedicated planning team, including an Account Directors, Account Managers, Planners, and Execs.

Commerciality & Account Health

• Contribute towards the overall commercial health of the account, identifying new revenue opportunities for the agency
• Ensure financial governance across campaign billing & forecasting

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Senior Planning Expertise: Proven track record in a senior media planning role within a media agency setting, overseeing large-scale, multi-channel accounts.

Entertainment & Media Landscape Knowledge: Deep expertise in the UK broadcast, streaming, digital video, and wider digital ecosystem, with a genuine passion for entertainment marketing.

Proven Line Management: Strong experience managing and developing mid-to-senior team members (including Account Directors), with a track record of setting clear direction, delegating effectively, and nurturing talent.

Strategic Storytelling & Data Mastery: Demonstrated ability to turn raw data, audience insights, and market trends into clear, narrative-driven media strategies that win client trust.

Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of agency commercial models, contract management, PRFs, and GroupM product integration.

Communication & Influence: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; comfortable leading top-to-top senior meetings and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.

Resilience & Organisational Agility: Highly composed under pressure, capable of overseeing multiple high-velocity show launches simultaneously while maintaining quality control.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

• Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to
• Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also

Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and

Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We

Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

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